World News Quick Take

Agencies

MEXICO

Pair held in Shabazz case

A judge on Saturday issued an order for the imprisonment of two waiters accused of beating to death Malcolm Shabazz, grandson of US civil rights activist Malcolm X, the Mexico City Attorney General’s office said. The resolution begins the judicial process against David Hernandez Cruz and Manuel Alejandro Perez de Jesus, who worked at the Palace bar near Mexico City’s popular Plaza Garibaldi. The men are accused of theft and homicide and are being held in a Mexico City prison. Prosecutors say Shabazz and a friend were lured into the bar by a young woman who made conversation with Shabazz in English. They were later presented with a US$1,200 bar tab and a violent dispute ensued. Prosecutors say the men who beat Shabazz to death not only punched and kicked him, but also used a bat or stick during the attack. Shabazz died in a Mexico City hospital. On Friday, hundreds gathered to remember him as mourners said Shabazz was well on his way to cementing his own legacy before his death at age 28.

DENMARK

‘Teardrops’ wins Eurovision

“Europe adores Emmelie,” the press said after 20-year-old Emmelie de Forest won the Eurovision Song Contest early yesterday in Sweden’s third-largest city, Malmo. The Danish singer took the crown from last year’s Swedish winner Loreen after gaining 281 points from viewers and jurors, who accounted for 50 percent each of the vote. Rhythmic pop tune Only Teardrops was already heavily favored by bookmakers before the live broadcast, which was watched by 125 million people last year. It is the third time Denmark has clinched the top spot in the Eurovision Song Contest.

VENEZUELA

Former general released

Authorities have released a dissident retired general who was jailed on charges of inciting unrest after last month’s disputed presidential election. Antonio Rivero said he would “take care of [his] health” as he was freed late on Friday. Opposition leaders said he was hospitalized on Saturday with a respiratory infection and digestive problems following a 16-day hunger strike to protest his arrest. Rivero remains accused of instigating violent protests following the April 14 presidential election, which the government says left at least nine people dead and dozens injured. Opposition leaders say the charges are part of a crackdown on dissent after the narrow election win of President Nicolas Maduro, former president Hugo Chavez’ hand-picked successor. Rivero gained fame for denouncing Cuban involvement in the Venezuelan military in 2010 and became a prominent member of the opposition.

UNITED STATES

Lucky lotto player wins big

One ticket-holder won a record Powerball lottery jackpot of more than US$590 million, organizers said yesterday. The lone winner was sold at a supermarket in Zephyrhills, Florida, according to Florida Lottery executive Cindy O’Connell. She told reporters by telephone that more details would be released later. The winner was not immediately identified and she did not give any indication hours after Saturday’s draw whether anyone had already stepped forward with the ticket. With four out of every five possible combinations of numbers in the multi-state lottery in play, someone is almost sure to win the game’s highest jackpot. Estimates had put the jackpot at about US$600 million. The chances of winning the prize were astronomically low: 1 in 175.2 million.